School Psych Podcast: Parenting Tips and Teacher Strategies for Supporting Neurodiverse Learners
Welcome to the School Psych Podcast, where we are learning brains and growing hearts! This podcast is a resource for parents, caregivers, teachers and educators, school staff, administrators, or anyone interested in the psychology of learning. Episodes include a variety of formats and topics, such as deep dives on childhood ADHD, anxiety, and learning disability/disorder.
Episodes
42 episodes
42: A Day in the Life of a School Psych #1 - Testing Edition
Have you ever wondered what a testing day looks like for a school psychologist? Then this episode is for you! I run through a typical testing day, and also discuss the steps that need to have been completed beforehand (weeks or days in advance)...
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31:10
41: A Week in the Life of a School Psychologist
Have you ever wondered what a school psychologist does with their time? Why does it feel like they're everywhere at once or simultaneously nowhere to be found? Hopping in and out, but flying into the building within minutes when a crisis occurs...
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42:32
40: My 3 Favourite Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs
How do we give our kids the tools for identifying, expressing, and managing emotions? How do we teach our kids social skills and conflict resolution? Social-emotional learning (SEL) programs are a way we can proactively help our kids thrive in ...
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32:26
39: The 101 on Supporting LGBTQ Youth
In this interview with Dr. Emily Fisher, we talk A LOT about how to support LGBTQ+ children in our families, schools, and communities. We cover some definitions, such as what is sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as some of the com...
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1:08:35
38: Flip That Script When Describing Our Kids
Finally an episode that is relevant for literally ANY adult supporting kids in any capacity! Teachers, parents, clinicians, doctors, principals, educational assistants, daycare providers, this one is for all of us! This episode covers several d...
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14:45
37: Beyond the Report Card - 7 Essential Skills for Kids to Develop
Is academic success the key to a thriving adulthood? In this episode, I'm sharing a hot take that might challenge some perspectives - academic skills, while important, aren't the be all end all when it comes to our growing kids. Fro...
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27:48
36: Why Active Listening Is the Key to Supporting Kids (and How to Do It Well)
Whether you're a parent, teacher, or school clinician, these tips can transform your conversations and strengthen your connection with the kids in your life. If you want to support your kid - whether they're toddlers, teens, or somewhere in bet...
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28:22
35: 10 Organization and Focus Tips for School Clinicians
Are you a school clinician or consultant who struggles to manage your time? In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for school clinicians to keep an organized schedule and maintain focus. For example, a monthly "brain dump," colour-c...
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42:41
34: How to Set Boundaries as an Educator
In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for teachers (and other school staff) to establish clear and respectful boundaries in their professional lives. For example, being direct and concise. If you have not been in the practice of se...
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25:56
33: Why Teachers Struggle With Boundaries and Where to Start
Are you a teacher or school clinician who struggles to find balance? Then this episode is for you. We explore the challenges educators face in setting boundaries and identify key areas where these boundaries are important. We discuss the intern...
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23:32
32: 10 Traits of Amazing Parent Advocates
Being a strong advocate for your child can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone - or perfectly! In this episode, we're diving into ten key traits that help parents become effective advocates for their children. From persistence,...
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36:07
31: Top 5 Myths About Dyslexia
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, yet it's wildly misunderstood. In this episode, we're busting five of the biggest myths about dyslexia - including the misconception that it's not just about reversing letters, that kids ...
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23:25
30: Deep Dive on Executive Functioning
We hear about executive functions a lot - but what does it really look like in everyday life? In this episode, we're breaking down each core executive function skill, such as working memory, time management, emotional regulation, and more. Let'...
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43:58
29: Executive Function Challenges: Strategies for Supporting Students at Home and School
Executive function skills are the foundation for success in school and beyond - helping kids manage their time, stay organized, regulate emotions, and adapt to new situations. But what happens when these skills don't come naturally? In this epi...
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33:27
28: How Can Psychological Assessment Empower Children and Adults?
In this interview with licensed educational psychologist Dr. Christa Cusimano, we talk about the benefit of approaching assessment through a neuropsychological lens. Spoiler alert - it can lead to better intervention. We also discuss some chall...
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53:17
27: Underlying Reasons Your Kid is Having a Hard Time
Are you a parent, teacher, or educational assistant of young kids? Have you gone through "episodes" of BIG feelings and behaviors and wondered, "What the heck is going on for this little person?" If so, this episode is for you! We cover 6 possi...
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34:59
26: Diffusing Defiance - What To Do When "No!" is All You Hear
Are you a parent or teacher of young kids who feels exasperated by constant "No! Don't want to! Not doing it"? If so, this episode is for you! First, I share 5 proactive strategies for how to set ourselves and our kids or students up for succes...
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37:37
25: What Does a School-Based OT Actually Do?
In this interview with Jen Fisher, we discuss all the domains a school-based Occupational Therapist can help with. Spoiler alert - it's not just toileting and fine motor skills! Jen and I talk about everything from the primary role of an ...
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48:29
24: Top 5 New Year's Resolutions for Educators
This week we cover my top 5 new year's resolutions for those of us working in Education - school clinicians, teachers, educational assistants, administrators, and other school staff. How do we thrive through the next 6 months, not just su...
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28:07
23: This Holiday You ARE Enough
This week is a quick message to caregivers as we navigate the highs and lows of holidays. All the best, and talk to you next year! If you have any questions or topics you want me to cover, please click "Send us a text". You c...
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8:03
22: Red Light for a Psycho-Educational Assessment (Part 3 of 3)
Have you ever wondered when NOT to pursue a psycho-educational assessment? There are certain referrals we might describe as “red lights," which means we likely would not consider proceeding with the assessment. If you haven’t already, I recomme...
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22:13
21: Yellow Light for a Psycho-Educational Assessment (Part 2 of 3)
Have you ever wondered when to pursue a psycho-educational assessment? There are certain referrals for psych assessments we might describe as “yellow lights.” Sometimes you would go ahead with the assessment, and at other times you would not. C...
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29:42
20: Green Light for a Psycho-Educational Assessment (Part 1 of 3)
Have you ever wondered when to pursue a psycho-educational assessment? Or maybe you want to know which types of referrals tend to get green-lit for assessments in the school system? Then this episode is for you! Listen to parts 2 and 3 to learn...
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25:23
19: What is a Psych Assessment?
Have you ever wondered what a psycho-educational assessment actually entails? Have you or your child been referred for one and you're on the fence about whether to go for it? Are you a teacher with students on the psych assessment list, and you...
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30:14
18: Ten Lies I Believed as a Beginner School Psychologist
For this week's episode, we've got something a little different. I discuss 10 lies (or myths) I used to believe when I was a brand new school psychologist. This was a fun one to record - I hope you enjoy it!If you have any questions or ...
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29:35